No: 205, 31 July 2018, Press Release Regarding The High Level Meeting Held On 30-31 July 2018 In Sochi In The Astana Format

Republic Of Turkey Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 31.07.2018

The tenth round of the high level meetings on Syria was held on 30-31 July 2018 in Sochi in the Astana format.

At the meeting, developments on the ground and ongoing efforts for a political solution to the Syrian conflict were discussed.

Within this framework, we emphasized that the Idlib de-escalation area is a main component of the Astana agreement and that its functionality must be preserved.

We highlighted the importance of opposing the separatist agendas of groups that pose a threat to the political unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the national security of neighboring countries.

The efforts for establishing the Constitutional Committee were addressed both at the meeting and during the consultations held within the margins of the meeting with the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Syria and it was decided to continue discussions on this issue in September in Geneva.

At the meeting, the importance of creating necessary conditions for voluntary and safe return of internally displaced people in Syria and refugees were emphasized and discussions concerning the steps that can be taken to this end have begun.

The fourth meeting of the Working Group established for the release of detainees were also held in the margins of the meeting. The Working Group made progress on the realization of a pilot project with the conflicting sides in Syria for the release of detainees.

The eleventh high level meeting in the Astana format is agreed to be held in November.